Flores Island offers a myriad of adventures, from exploring stunning beaches and diving spots to hiking volcanoes and visiting traditional villages. Traveling with friends, you can enjoy the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Here’s a detailed 12-day itinerary that includes Sundazed’s packages and dives into the rich culture and natural beauty of Flores.
Arrival and Exploration
Kick off your adventure by arriving in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park. Spend the first day settling in, exploring the town, and enjoying a sunset dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Accommodation: Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel
Highlights: Harbor, local markets, seafood dinner
Day 1: Arrive in Labuan Bajo and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk around the harbor and explore the local markets. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, savoring fresh catches of the day.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Labuan Bajo. Visit the nearby Batu Cermin (Mirror Rock) Cave, where sunlight reflects off the cave walls, creating a stunning visual effect. Later, head to Bukit Sylvia for panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant sunset from Paradise Bar or Bukit Cinta (Love Hill).
Discovering the Dragons and Diving
Embark on Sundazed’s Paradise Pursuit package. Over these days, explore Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Kanawa Island. Enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and witnessing the majestic Komodo dragons in their natural habitat.
Padar Island: Padar Island
Komodo Island: Komodo Island
Pink Beach: Pink Beach
Manta Point: Manta Ray
Kanawa Island: Kanawa Island
Day 3: Our adventure began early as we boarded the Sundazed speedboat for our first stop, Padar Island. The hike to the top was challenging but worth every step as the panoramic view took our breath away. From the summit, we saw the unique tri-colored beaches – a sight we’ll never forget. After taking countless photos and soaking in the views, we descended and headed to Pink Beach. The soft, pink-hued sand was surreal, and snorkeling in the clear waters revealed vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The day ended with a visit to Taka Makassar, a tiny sandbank surrounded by turquoise waters where we relaxed and enjoyed the serene beauty.
Evening Magic and Marine Marvels
Join the Foxy Sunset package to explore Kelor Island, Manjarite, and Kalong Island. Enjoy relaxing beach time, snorkeling, and witnessing the magical sight of Flying Foxes at sunset.
Kelor Island: Kelor Island
Manjarite: Manjarite
Kalong Island: Kalong Island
Day 4: Our day started with a leisurely sail to Kelor Island. The island’s white sandy beaches and clear waters were perfect for a morning of relaxation. We spent time sunbathing, swimming, and exploring the small island. After a delicious lunch on the boat, we headed to Manjarite for some snorkeling. The underwater world here was mesmerizing, with colorful corals and a variety of fish. As the evening approached, we sailed to Kalong Island. Watching thousands of Flying Foxes take flight against the backdrop of a stunning sunset was an awe-inspiring experience. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, creating a magical atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of the Sundazed experience.
Exploring Vibrant Coral Reefs and Marine Life
Dive into three different sites with Sundazed’s Custom Journey. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with manta rays, and discover the underwater wonders of Komodo National Park.
Dive Sites: Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock, and Castle Rock
Day 5: Today was all about diving. Our first dive site was Batu Bolong, known for its rich marine biodiversity. As we descended into the clear blue waters, we were greeted by schools of colorful fish and stunning coral formations. The highlight was spotting a majestic manta ray gliding gracefully through the water. Our second dive was at Crystal Rock, where the visibility was incredible, and the coral reefs were vibrant with life. The day’s final dive was at Castle Rock, a site famous for its dramatic underwater landscape and abundant marine life. Each dive left us in awe of the beauty and diversity of the underwater world in Komodo National Park.
Spiderweb Rice Fields and Traditional Villages
Leave Labuan Bajo and head to Ruteng, a town known for its unique spiderweb rice fields and traditional Manggarai villages. Explore Ruteng Pu’u and the Liang Bua Cave.
Spiderweb Rice Fields: Spiderweb Rice Fields
Liang Bua Cave: Liang Bua Cave
Day 6: We left Labuan Bajo early and embarked on a scenic drive to Ruteng. Along the way, we stopped to admire the spiderweb rice fields, a unique agricultural pattern created by the Manggarai people. The intricate design and lush green fields were a sight to behold. After a local lunch, we visited Ruteng Pu’u, a traditional Manggarai village where we learned about the local culture and customs. The day ended with a visit to Liang Bua Cave, known for its archaeological significance. The cool interior of the cave provided a welcome respite from the afternoon heat.
Volcanic Landscapes and Hot Springs
Continue to Bajawa, where you can visit the Bena Traditional Village and soak in the Malanage Hot Springs. If you’re up for it, hike Mount Inerie for spectacular views.
Bena Traditional Village: Bena Village
Mount Inerie: Mount Inerie
Day 7: Arriving in Bajawa, we were immediately struck by the cooler climate and lush surroundings. Our first stop was Bena Traditional Village, a well-preserved megalithic village offering insights into the local culture and traditions. Walking through the village, we interacted with friendly locals and admired their intricate ikat textiles. In the afternoon, we soaked in the Malanage Hot Springs, a perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.
Day 8: The highlight of the day was hiking Mount Inerie. The trek was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Reaching the summit, we were greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the distant sea and neighboring islands. The hike down was just as beautiful, and we spent the rest of the day exploring Bajawa and its local markets.
Day 9-10: Moni and Kelimutu
Tri-Colored Lakes and Cultural Immersion
Drive to Moni, the gateway to Mount Kelimutu. Hike to the summit at sunrise to see the tri-colored lakes, which change color periodically. Spend the rest of the day exploring Moni village and its surroundings.
Mount Kelimutu: Mount Kelimutu
Day 9: The drive to Moni was scenic, with lush landscapes and friendly villages along the way. We arrived in Moni in the afternoon and checked into our accommodation. The rest of the day was spent exploring the village and interacting with locals, who shared stories about the legend of Kelimutu’s lakes.
Day 10: We woke up early and hiked to the summit of Mount Kelimutu to witness the tri-colored lakes at sunrise. The changing colors of the lakes were mesmerizing and made the early start worthwhile. After descending, we explored the surrounding area, visiting local markets and learning about the cultural significance of the lakes.
Relaxation, Nightlife, and Flight Home
Head back to Labuan Bajo, reflecting on your incredible journey through Flores. Spend your final evening enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Labuan Bajo.
Day 11: The journey back to Labuan Bajo was filled with scenic views and moments of reflection. Arriving in Labuan Bajo, we took a stroll along the harbor and enjoyed our last sunset in this beautiful town. After dinner, we headed to Seaesta Komodo’s rooftop bar, where live music created a lively atmosphere. The night continued at Paradise, one of Labuan Bajo’s popular clubs, where we danced and celebrated the incredible experiences we had over the past days. The combination of live music, vibrant crowds, and the tropical ambiance made it a night to remember.
Day 12: We began our last day in Labuan Bajo by exploring local shops and markets, picking up unique souvenirs to remember our trip. Handcrafted items, local textiles, and small trinkets made perfect gifts for friends and family back home. For lunch, we chose Sei Nusa Eatery, a cozy spot known for its delicious local dishes. The flavorful meals and friendly atmosphere provided a wonderful final dining experience in Labuan Bajo.
After lunch, we headed back to our accommodation to gather our belongings and make our way to the airport. Saying goodbye to this beautiful town was bittersweet, but we were filled with memories of our amazing adventures. Our flight to Bali marked the end of our 12-day journey through Flores. As the plane took off, we looked back at the breathtaking landscapes we had explored and the incredible experiences we had shared. This trip had been a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, leaving us with stories to tell and memories to cherish.
